Walt Disney World Epcot Discussion Thread

[Hilltopper39]

^Yeah, I considered that but even though it's 65 mph it's not really that intense, it doesn't have any super sharp turns or airtime hills that would throw the glasses off of your face. The cars have those windshields on the front row that deflect most of the wind over your head anyways. I would bet that you could wear a pair of regular 3D glasses on test track without them falling off, no prblem.

 

They probably won't use 3D, but I think it could work, and could be kind of cool. Maybe that will be part of the Test Track 3.0 upgrades in 2027, sponsored by Kia.

[doublestufforeo]

The problem is guests taking off the glasses on the outside portion and throwing them on the track...sadly people are that stupid.

[Hilltopper39]

Yeah I'm sure people are stupid enough to do that, but remember Disney is probably one of the only parks in the world that lets you bring darn near anything you want on to just about every ride, back packs, shopping bags, pin lanyards, hats, cameras, phones, anything. If they let you set a backpack on the floor I can't imagine a pair of plastic 3-D glasses being a deal breaker, if the concept were feasible.

[DonatelloMigiatchi]

I'm actually kind of excited for the new renovations

[mcjaco]

It's fun to be free. To be on the move.

[TPDave]

The problem is guests taking off the glasses on the outside portion and throwing them on the track...sadly people are that stupid.

 

Its not like you can't take loose articles on Disney rides as it is, and they could put netting up or something to stop them being thrown onto people below.Disney aren't the kind of company to let a minor inconvenience stop a decent idea!

[SNJ]

Looking at the concept art I'm actually very excited for this rendition of the ride. The whole interactivity kind of throws me off guard, but normally Disney has been doing alright with that idea. I'd still much rather enjoy a passive ride experience as opposed to a constantly interactive "flashy" ride experience. But, when I saw how they did it with other rides, I'm not all too worried. I guess my only complaint for it was in SSE. The re-do was great, but not a fan of the new narrator script and I dislike the descending room being more or less empty during the interactive part. But all in all they still do good.

 

I can't imagine this refurb being bad, thought!

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/04/new-wine-cellar-spiffed-up-tutto-italia-open-may-1-at-italy-at-epcot/

 

Construction walls come down tomorrow, and guests already are making reservations for Tutto Italia Ristorante, one of the most popular restaurants at Epcot that’s been closed for refurbishment. Joining the beautiful restaurant is Tutto Gusto wine cellar, where small plates and more than 200 Italian wines, beers, grappas and coffee drinks are on the all-new menu.

 

The makeover gives Tutto Italia a more expansive feel, with covered outdoor seating for 45 with ceiling fans and lighting, and pretty new carpet, dark-wood booths and spacious banquettes replacing some of the tables in the dining room. The lovely wall murals and elegant chandeliers remain.

 

Just to the right of the restaurant is Tutto Gusto, accessible through Tutto Italia or through its own entrance. The décor is rustic, with wood-beam ceiling, brick arches and stone flooring, reminiscent of a traditional Italian wine cellar. A long bar is the centerpiece of the room, with wall sconces, a fireplace, and other classic touches.

 

We got a sneak preview of the Tutto Gusto menu, and each small dish is simple and delicious, perfect for an afternoon or evening respite. It’s hard to choose, with charcuterie and cheeses, including three varieties of mozzarella; mini-paninis, cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta with three different presentations; and eight small plates with everything from seafood salad to polenta with mushrooms and fontina cheese, and steamed mussels in white wine.

 

We’ll visit Tutto Italia’s new menu for an upcoming post – but we’re really excited about the gluten-free menu that shows it’s not just an afterthought, with entrées including rice pasta pomodoro, risotto, and a salmon filet with artichokes, potatoes and olives.

 

Now there are three distinct dining experiences at the Italy Pavilion – Via Napoli (for the world’s best pizza), Tutto Italia and Tutto Gusto. Tutto Gusto is not on the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations for Tutto Italia or Via Napoli (no reservations accepted for Tutto Gusto), call 407-WDW-DINE.

[robbalvey]

^ Is it still a Patina group operated restaurant?

 

EDIT - I see it's still listed on their website, so I'm assuming yes.... http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurants.php

Edited April 30, 2012 by robbalvey

[Hilltopper39]

The Tuto Gusto Wine Cellar looks fantastic, I can't wait to check it out next time I'm in town. Was the Tutto Gusto a new building or did they just re purpose some existing space from the old Tutto Italia? Now that I think about it I don't think I've ever eaten at Tutto Italia before, I just need to spend a whole day eating at all 3 places in the Italian Pavilion.

[SharkTums]

Aw crap, there goes me losing weight this week! Must go check this out!!!

[jedimaster1227]

^^Tutto Gusto annexed what was previously the entrance lobby (and pasta-making booth) for Alfredo's/Tutto Italia. Tutto Italia gained additional patio space that belonged to the rest of the pavilion previously.

Edited April 30, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/festivities-open-tutto-italia-tutto-gusto-at-italy-pavilion-at-epcot/

 

With a flourish of confetti, Italian music, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Tutto Italia in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot reopens its doors today after a major renovation, along with the new Tutto Gusto wine cellar next door.

 

The restaurant staff added to the celebration with tambourines, while Chef Joachim Splichal, founder of Patina Restaurant Group; Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot; and Nick Valenti, CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, did the honors of cutting the ribbon to officially open the two venues, operated by Patina. Guests were welcomed inside for sparkling water, a little bubbly and a first look at Tutto Gusto.

 

For reservations at Tutto Italia, call 407-WDW-DINE. Tutto Gusto does not take reservations.

[Hilltopper39]

Looks fantastic, can't wait to read some reviews!

Edited May 30, 2012 by Hilltopper39

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/disney-phineas-ferb-agent-ps-world-showcase-adventure-coming-in-late-june/

 

Just wanted to give you a quick update on the new Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure, including showcasing some new renderings of the experience we debuted at our Summer to Remember press event in April.

 

Starting in late June, Disney Phineas & Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure is based on the wily secret-agent alter-ego of Perry the Platypus – faithful pet to the title characters from Disney’s animated series “Phineas & Ferb.” Although just a simple pet to Phineas and Ferb, Perry turns into Agent P in each episode to help stop the misguided plans of his nemesis, Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

 

Epcot guests will transform into secret agents to help Agent P thwart some of Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s most daring plots. Agents will use a high tech detection device called a “F.O.N.E.” or Field Operative Notification Equipment to receive clues for each case. Solving the clues will take agents to different places throughout seven World Showcase countries at Epcot – Mexico Pavilion, France Pavilion, Germany Pavilion, Norway Pavilion, Japan Pavilion, China Pavilion and the United Kingdom Pavilion. Agents will scour each country for clues, evil “Inators,” and – with a little bit of luck – help Agent P defeat Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

 

The current Disney Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will close this Friday, May 18.

[omgitsmatt93]

Everyday when I walk to my location you can see into the test track building. The entire Queue, and preshow rooms have been completely demolished and are totally empty.

[SharkTums]

Two things regarding news on this page...

 

1. KimPossible actually closed a bit earlier than posted as we went to go check it out on the supposed 'last day', and it was already closed!

 

2. The new Italy Wine Bar is one of my favorite new restaurants, the cheeses and pastas are just incredible!

[piers]

How was the wine?

[SharkTums]

You'd have to ask BroDaddy and Derek...we haven't been able to pressure Renee to drink wine again since well, you know!

[piers]

Have you really not? Thats ridiculous, that would be like if I stop getting banged after my rape, silly girl!

 

Looks like a really nice place though, maybe I will have to come back to Florida one day.

[Meteornotes]

Really looking forward to checking out the wine bar!

 

dt

[jedimaster1227]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/whats-new-for-the-17th-annual-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/

 

This just in: the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was named by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top food and wine festivals. Chefs are cooking up fantastic new experiences for this year’s fest, which open September 28 and runs for a record 46 days through November 12.

 

There’s no better setting for noshing, sipping and wandering than Epcot’s World Showcase, with a one-of-a-kind backdrop of architectural icons from around the globe.

 

Fresh for 2012:

• Two new festival marketplaces: TERRA Marketplace offers vegan menu items, including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese. The FLORIDA Marketplace introduces fresh twists on regional flavors. There are more than 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces in all.
  
• Feel like a VIP with Marketplace Chef Tours. Each Wednesday, festival chefs host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several international marketplaces. You get to taste five marketplace dishes and five beverage items, like beer, wine and cocktails – and learn a few culinary secrets.

• More kid-friendly tastes. Kids of all ages can try inventive new sips during the family’s marketplace dine-around. Pair with yummy bites like beef empanadas and cheese fondue (new this year).
   
  
• Don’t miss (free) Eat to the Beat! Check out pop acts like Smash Mouth (October 11-12) and Javier Colon, winner of “The Voice” (October 13-14). With 18 different bands, look for Blues Traveler (November 5-6) and Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX (November 7-8). Night Ranger kicks off the concert series September 28-30, and other returning fan favorites include Boyz II Men, The Pointer Sisters, Sister Hazel and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
   
  
• Back for an encore: look for HGTV designers, celeb chefs, culinary demos and wine seminars, and special culinary programs – more than 270 chefs are showing off for the festival. And, yes, the fab Party for the Senses returns October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3.

The Party for the Senses grand tasting events and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information; Aug. 16 is the date you can start booking. Festival details are available at http://www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/05/brave-the-highland-games-tournament-runs-june-1-july-8-at-epcot/

 

Last week, Disney Parks Blog Author Shawn Slater shared a look at the new Merida meet-and-greet experience that’s already begun at Magic Kingdom Park. But I’m happy to announce that Magic Kingdom is not the only one of the Disney Parks that’s getting in on the fun of the new Disney•Pixar film, “Brave.”

From June 1-July 8, Epcot will serve as the setting for Brave – The Highland Games Tournament, a kid-focused offering that will include games like Mini Caber Toss, Cake Toss, Haggis Flip and archery. There will also be a kids’ playground with free enhanced wireless – which is great for us parents who can’t share cute photos of their kids on Twitter and Facebook fast enough!

 

Brave – The Highland Games Tournament will take place on the Rose Walk (right where Future World blends into World Showcase), from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily. Park admission is required.

Edited May 30, 2012 by jedimaster1227

[Meteornotes]

Food & Wine is among the greatest things on Earth. Really hoping I get to go again this year.

 

dt

[golfburner1]

Daft Punk the Ride?! Where can I get a "Disney's" Fastpass for that?

Haha That's exactly what I thought of when I saw this ride!

[jedimaster1227]

http://d23.disney.go.com/events/2012/03/19/d23s-epcot-30th-anniversary-celebration/

 

DATES: Sunday, September 30, 2012

LOCATION: World ShowPlace Pavilion, Epcot, Walt Disney World

TIME: Pre-Check-in/Registration:

Saturday, September 29 - 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Epcot main gate & World ShowPlace Pavilion entrance

Sunday, September 30 - 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at World ShowPlace Pavilion

 

Program:

 

Begins at 9:00 a.m. and continues through 5:30 p.m.

 

TICKETS

Check back here on June 21 at 10 a.m. PST

 

COST

World Passport - (general experience): $65

World Key - (enhanced experience): $185

Note: Epcot park admission is required.

 

October 1, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club invites its members and their guests to fete one of Disney’s crowning achievements on this special occasion. The event will whisk D23 Members back to a time touted as when “the 21st century begins”—those early Epcot years when guests first marveled at “Astuter Computers,” “Smellitzers,” the novelty of “riding on sunshine,” and were awed by a massive geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth.

 

D23′s Epcot 30th Anniversary Celebration offers the most detailed look at the design, development, and evolution of Epcot ever presented by The Walt Disney Company.

 

World Passport general admission includes:

• Access to all presentations
  
• A commemorative gift
  
• Access to exclusive D23 merchandise

 

World Key level admission includes:

• All features of the World Passport admission
  
• Reserved seating for all presentations
  
• A special dessert reception at 8 p.m. inside an exclusive Future World lounge
  
• Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Disney Legends and Epcot luminaries
  
• Reception will also include screenings of rare film footage of Epcot’s early days

 

The celebration will feature rare and never-before-seen artwork; film and video footage and photos; along with a number of pioneers of Epcot, including such Disney Imagineers, Legends and Epcot luminaries as Marty Sklar (exclusive pre-taped presentation), Tony Baxter, Ron Schneider, Charlie Ridgway, Ron Logan, Bill Sullivan, Bob Garner, Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, Alex Wright, Duncan Dickson and Steve Taylor.

 

http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/06/d23s-epcot-30th-anniversary-celebration-event-highlights/

 

October 1, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club invites its members and their guests to fete one of Disney’s crowning achievements on this special occasion. The event will whisk D23 Members back to a time touted as when “the 21st century begins”—those early Epcot years when guests first marveled at “Astuter Computers,” “Smellitzers,” the novelty of “riding on sunshine,” and were awed by a massive geodesic sphere called Spaceship Earth. Check out some of the presentations D23 is has in store for this extraordinary tribute to Epcot.

 

Hooray for the 21st Century

 

Disney Legend and former Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Creative Executive Marty Sklar joins D23 guests via a virtual presentation, where we see and hear what it was like to work with Walt Disney on his original vision for an Experiemental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Along the way, learn about Marty’s favorite memories working on the EPCOT Center project with a team of passionate Imagineers.

 

The Music of EPCOT Center

 

Some of Epcot’s most passionate fans agree that the park’s soundtrack has created one of its most lasting legacies that continue to help “makin’ memories” around the world. Join Disney historians and songwriters as we explore the incredible world of Epcot music, celebrating the talents of such Epcot songwriters and composers as Bob Moline, Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman, George Wilkins, Buddy Baker, X. Atencio, Peter Stougaard, Russell Brower, Edo Guidotti and others who have left a permanent musical mark on the park’s creative legacy. Along the way, hear stories about the recording sessions, learn about some fascinating alternate versions of some of your favorite melodies, and sing along to your favorite Epcot tunes!

 

We Can Do It!

 

Disney Legends and EPCOT Center creators review the immense challenge that loomed ahead of them when bringing Epcot to reality in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Guests will hear stories of trips to foreign countries to secure participants in the World Showcase concept, what life was like inside the largest private construction project in the world, and how they readied its highly anticipated opening day.

 

We’ve Just Begun to Dream

 

Join Disney Legend Ron Logan and other key Disney entertainment veterans as they reminisce about the official EPCOT Center opening festivities that remain among the most elaborate Disney has ever staged. This presentation will include rare footage from the grand openings of various Future World and World Showcase pavilions, which were held throughout October 1982.

 

Makin’ Memories: Epcot on Film

 

Join former Disney Imagineer Bob Garner and Disney author and historian Tim O’Day as they cast a “Magic Eye” on the marvelous world of Epcot on film. Bob was closely involved in the creation of film documentation and production at Epcot, including special video elements of Future World and World Showcase pavilions and such promotional films as EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration.

 

Looking Back at Tomorrow

 

Few Epcot visitors, even its most avid fans, realize The Land pavilion was almost called “Harvest Tomorrow” or that Figment was slated to co-host an “Images & Imagination” pavilion with “Professor Marvel.” With recently discovered materials from the Walt Disney Archives, join Disney archivists as they examine how the “dreamers and doers” developed favorite Epcot attractions of the past including Horizons, Journey into Imagination, Kitchen Kabaret, World of Motion, the Astuter Computer Revue, and the original Universe of Energy.

 

The EPCOT Center That Never Was

 

Using rare concept artwork, guests will glimpse what it was like to design Epcot with Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Vice President Tony Baxter, designer and producer for several beloved Epcot pavilions, and explore early versions of Epcot attractions that never made it off the drawing board.

 

Imagineering Epcot: An Extra Perceptive Close-up Of Things

 

Fans of wall-to-wall carpeting and leapfrog fountains unite! Disney Imagineers Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, and Alex Wright return with a humorous exploration of the details that make Epcot so unique. From miniature gardens to massive buildings (and every international food and beverage offering in between), they’ll show what makes Future World and World Showcase like no place else on earth.

 

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/live-chat-talk-in-park-gaming-with-imagineer-jonathan-ackley/

 

Are you a fan of Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom? Can’t wait for Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure to debut this summer? You’re in luck because today’s live chat is about to begin and it’s all about our in-park gaming experiences!

 

Imagineer Jonathan Ackley will join us right here to answer some of your questions about the behind-the-scenes creation of these interactive experiences. Our chat will begin promptly at 1:15 p.m. but feel free to begin submitting your questions in the comments before we begin. We’ll answer as many as possible in the allotted time.

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: Sounds like fun! Thanks, Steven. Now, let’s return to our Imagineer and move on to our next topic: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. In case you aren’t familiar, here’s a sneak peek at what this new game will entail when it debuts at Epcot later this month.

 

Comment From Joe: Will Agent P's world showcase adventure include Phineas and Ferb or will it be just Agent P and Dr. Doofenshmirtz?

 

Jonathan: When guests play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure, it will be just like they are in an episode of the show. So, as the guests are trying to defeat Doof, Phineas and Ferb will be building a contraption and Candace will be trying to bust them. I think it's likely that once you disable one of Doof's inators, it just might make Phineas and Ferb's machine disappear.

 

Comment From Joe: Which characters will we see te most during Agent P's World Showcase Adventure?

 

Jonathan: There will be a good balance of all the characters we love from the show.

 

Comment From Jeremiah: Jonathan, thanks for being here. Kim Possible had her sound for the Kimunicators, what will be the sound for the Agent P game? One of my fav parts was walking World Showcase and hearing that chime go off.

 

Jonathan: The sound is going to be Agent P's theme, but if you're interested in hearing some of the audio from the game, here's Doof!

 

phpZOvTSuDoof.mp3

Dr. Doofenshmirtz

Comment From Liz: Question ... Will Agent P adventure use upgraded technology...not Kim Possible phone?

 

Jonathan: From a WDI standpoint, the focus is always on the storyline and not the technology. What we will be giving the guests is "Field Operative Notification Equipment," or F.O.N.E.'s. Very high-tech stuff. (It's even got a laser).

 

Comment From Kaylyn: How much did you work with Dan and Swampy to come up with the story of this interactive attraction? What were their contributions?

 

Jonathan: They were engaged from the very beginning, helping us with ideas and characters, and going over our scripts and making sure that we were creating a theme park attraction that is true to the show.

 

Jonathan: By the way, here are some updated images from the attraction.

 

Comment From Jeff: Do you have a favorite country as far as storyline for both Kim and Perry?

 

Jonathan: Don't make me choose between all my children...(Germany!).

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: From the blog, Matt asks "When the Agent P game debuts, will all of the missions be available or will more be coming later? If so, when?"

 

Jonathan: All of the missions will be available once we open the attraction, but there will be new top secret-iniators that will roll out over the summer.

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: We have time for just one more question...

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: A large majority of you are asking about the SOMK cards 61-70. Let me have Steven speak to those questions...

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: Steven: We're currently looking at a few options as to how we're going to release cards 61-70, so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog!

 

Jenn Fickley-Baker: Thanks everybody for joining us for our live-chat with Jonathan. As a reminder you can revisit this chat at any time and click 'Replay' to review all the questions and answers.

Edited June 7, 2012 by jedimaster1227